Rima’s Journey to South Africa: From History to the Heart of the Wild
By Rima Dmitriew, Travel ConsultantUpdated October 2026 · 5 min read
Quick takeaways
- In Soweto, Rima visited Nelson Mandela’s former home and the Hector Pieterson Museum.
- Meeting Hector Pieterson’s sister, Antoinette Sithole, was the most unforgettable moment of the trip.
- Safaris in Kruger National Park and the Karongwe Private Game Reserve delivered all of the Big 5.
- South Africa is a country of contrasts: history and hope, wild nature and resilient spirit.
I have wanted to visit Africa for as long as I can remember. My recent trip to South Africa was a life-changing adventure. I had the opportunity to learn about the country’s complex past and to witness some of the most incredible creatures on Earth. The experience offered a perfect blend of emotional depth and awe-inspiring adventure.
Soweto: a powerful legacy
One of the most profound moments of the trip was visiting Soweto, a township with a powerful legacy rooted in the fight against apartheid. Walking through the streets of Soweto and visiting the home of Nelson Mandela, I could feel the weight of history in the air.
The Hector Pieterson Museum was both heartbreaking and enlightening. The museum tells the story of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, where school children protested the mandatory use of Afrikaans in schools. Moreover, it was during this peaceful protest that young Hector Pieterson was fatally shot by police. A moment captured in an iconic photograph became a symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle.
The most unforgettable part of this visit was meeting Hector Pieterson’s sister, Antoinette Sithole. Hearing her story about that harrowing day was deeply moving. This woman is a living link to South Africa’s history. She has transformed personal tragedy into a lifelong mission of education and remembrance. Her story added human connection to the historical facts and left an indelible mark on me.
Safari in Kruger and Karongwe
Leaving behind the rich historical significance of Soweto, we travelled deeper into the wild heart of Africa. Our safaris in Kruger National Park and the Karongwe Private Game Reserve were the perfect contrast to the emotional weight of the earlier days. South Africa’s wilderness is breathtaking, and we were incredibly lucky to have seen all the famed African “Big 5”: elephants, leopards, lions, rhinoceros, and the Cape buffalo.
Each sighting while visiting Africa felt like a scene from a movie. We watched a herd of elephants cross the road just meters in front of our jeep. The smallest baby in the group charging us with his ears flapping and trying his hardest to be intimidating. The rhinos, powerful and prehistoric, are a reminder of the importance of conservational efforts. And the Cape buffalo, with their watchful eyes and formidable presence, completed our Big 5 checklist.
We spotted a Leopard lounging lazily in the sun beside a river. Meanwhile, our guide explained how elusive they can be.
And a lion, with his undeniable majesty, taking a nap in the long grass. His chin still showing signs of a recent feed.
Advisor tipCombining Kruger National Park with a private game reserve like Karongwe gives you the best of both: wide-open landscapes and close-up sightings with expert guides.
A country of contrasts
What I will remember most about this adventure is that South Africa is a country of contrasts. It is a country of sorrow and hope, of struggle and triumph, of wild nature and resilient spirit.
I left South Africa with a heart full of memories, a deeper understanding of history, and a renewed sense of awe for the natural world. But most of all, I left with a strong desire to return someday soon. I will carry this journey with me always.
Planning your own South Africa safari
Inspired to see the Big 5 for yourself? Here’s what we tell clients who are starting to plan a South Africa trip.
- Best time for safari: the dry winter months, roughly May to September, are prime game-viewing season. The bush is thinner and animals gather around waterholes, so they’re easier to spot.
- National park or private reserve: Kruger is vast and great value, while private reserves like Karongwe offer small-group game drives with expert guides, and often night drives. Combining the two, like Rima did, gives you the best of both.
- Getting there from Canada: most trips fly into Johannesburg, usually with one connection through Europe, the Middle East or the U.S.
- Entry for Canadians: Canadians don’t need a visa for a tourist visit, but South Africa is strict about passports. Bring a passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb) with at least two blank pages.
- Health: the Kruger area is a malaria-risk region, so visit a travel health clinic before you go for advice on medication and vaccinations.
- Add more to your trip: Cape Town, the Winelands and Victoria Falls pair beautifully with a safari.
Advisor tipVisit Soweto with a local guide. They share the stories behind each site and bring the history to life in a way you won’t get on your own.
Dreaming of an African journey of your own? Rima would love to help you plan a trip that’s truly worth crossing off your bucket list. Browse more African safari ideas.
FAQs
What are the Big 5 animals in Africa?
The Big 5 are elephants, leopards, lions, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo. Rima saw all five on safari in South Africa.
Where did Rima go on safari in South Africa?
Kruger National Park and the Karongwe Private Game Reserve.
What is the Hector Pieterson Museum?
The museum in Soweto tells the story of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when school children protested the mandatory use of Afrikaans in schools and young Hector Pieterson was shot by police.
Is a trip to South Africa worth it?
For Rima it was life-changing, blending powerful history with some of the most incredible wildlife on Earth.
When is the best time for a safari in South Africa?
The dry winter months, roughly May to September, are prime game-viewing season, when animals gather around waterholes and are easier to spot.
Do Canadians need a visa for South Africa?
No, Canadians don’t need a visa for a tourist visit. Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb. Your passport must also have at least two blank pages.
